Blues enthusiasts are getting an early Christmas present in 2024 with the arrival of new music from Guitar Legend Eric Clapton. That is right, Slowhand himself is back with a new album called Meanwhile. His first studio album since 2018’s Happy Xmas, Meanwhile arrived digitally through his label Bushbranch/Surfdog Records on October 4th, before coming to vinyl and CD on January 24, 2025.
Back with his signature sizzled-up guitar tones and spliced-in dreamy acoustic ballads, he once again shows why the phrase ‘Clapton is God’ was penned in the first place. Consisting of six new songs (“One Woman,” “Misfortune,” “Sam Hall,” “Smile,” “The Call,” and “You’ve Changed) and eight previously released singles (“Pompous Fool,” “Heart of a Child,” “Moon River” featuring Jeff Beck, “Always On My Mind” featuring Bradley Walker, “How Could We Know” featuring Judith Hill, Simon Climie, and Daniel Santiago, plus “The Rebels,” “This Has Gotta Stop,” and “Stand and Deliver,” all with Van Morrison, Meanwhile has plenty to offer.
With all of this taken into consideration, “Pompus Fool” starts things off with an Americana/Ragtime feel. Swinging with its fuzzy electric guitars played in the classic Clapton style his fans have grown up loving. Showing his skills on full display, it is a song about understanding the greats before us and knowing our place. This is while classic songs like “Moon River” start as a lovely instrumental with the late, great Beck shines all over this track. Between the beautiful lead guitar lines and spot-on vocals by Clapton, his rendition offers a truly beautifully new interpretation. Another classic love song is a performance of the Willie Nelson classic “Always on My Mind.” With some help from Bradley Walker, it is a delightful take, and with its Country feel, Clapton breathes new life into a song we have all hummed along with for decades.
Later on, bluesy songs like “Stand and Deliver” flow with a powerful message about standing up for yourself and being your own person. In short, it is an absolute bluesy stomper that harks back to classic Clapton of the past. This leads us to the new originals, which are all quite enjoyable. Among the ones standing out most prevalently, you have the lovely “One Woman,” the heartfelt, feel-good tune “Smile,” as well as “You’ve Changed.” Looking at “You’ve Changed,” it is a track about relationships not being the same anymore, and as Clapton explains how his love interest has gone from romance to playing a crazy game. Surely something we can all relate to at some point in our lives, there are some gorgeous toned bluesy chords in the opening that carry through into a sonic territory fans will love.
Overall, Meanwhile is classic Eric Clapton. It is all there – the Blues, the acoustic ballads, the swing, and the Americana vibe. Coupled with fantastic production, it is great to see he has returned with such a thoughtful album. Something Clapton fans will enjoy for years to come, Cryptic Rock gives Meanwhile 5 out of 5 stars.
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